Mike Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Councilwoman Maureen Toms for her three years of service on the Pinole City Council. A Pinole native, Ms. Toms was exposed to public service at a young age. Her father served on the Pinole City Council and was the Mayor from 1964 to 1965. Prior to her appointment to the City Council, Ms. Toms was a Planning Commissioner for the City of Pinole and the Land Use Planner for Contra Costa County. She also served on the Amber Swartz Park Development Committee from 1994 to 2006. Throughout her tenure, Ms. Toms was instrumental in securing grants for the park. Upon her appointment to the Pinole City Council in 2015, Ms. Toms became involved with numerous different development projects for the city. She was active in the Gateway Shopping Center project, the Sprouts project, and the Landscape Improvement Project. She has also worked on the Pinole Wastewater Pollution Control Plant Upgrade project. Additionally, Ms. Toms was heavily involved with the Planning Commission on Pinole's 2010 General Plan Update. Among her colleagues, Ms. Toms is known for being hard-working and for her commitment to community service. In addition to her work on the City Council, Ms. Toms has served on the Down Syndrome League Board of Directors and has volunteered as a Special Olympics Coach. She has received numerous awards for her service to Contra County and the City of Pinole, including the Contra Costa Woman of the Year award. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Toms is an admirable leader who is dedicated to serving our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Councilwoman Maureen Toms here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Councilman and Former Mayor Timothy Banuelos for nine years of service on the Pinole City Council. Mr. Banuelos is a long-time resident of Pinole. He worked in the architecture profession for thirty years prior to his appointment to the City Council. In 1997, he became a California Licensed Architect. Mr. Banuelos has been an active volunteer in our community. He is a former member of the West County Community High School Board of Directors, sat on the City of Pinole Design Review Board in 2006 and was a City of Pinole Planning Commissioner from 2005 to 2009, serving as Chairman in 2007. Mr. Banuelos was appointed to the Pinole City Council in 2009 and re- elected in 2010 and 2014. He served as Mayor from 2013 to 2014 and again from 2017 to 2018. Mr. Banuelos oversaw the completion of many community development projects during his tenure on the City Council. The projects included the Gateway Shopping Center, Kaiser Medical Center, and the Pinole Valley Skate Park. Mr. Banuelos has also been deeply involved with the Pinole Community Playhouse renovation and Wastewater Pollution Control Plant Upgrade. He also contributed his architectural design expertise to the Welcome to Pinole Improvement project. While on the Planning Commission and City Council Mr. Banuelos worked on the 2010 Pinole General Plan Update. Mr. Banuelos is known for being level-headed and objective, and willing to listen to both sides of an issue. He is a diligent problem solver and works hard to preserve Pinole's small-town atmosphere. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Banuelos has served our community admirably. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Councilman and Former Mayor Timothy Banuelos here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Fire Division Chief Richard Hanna, on his retirement after forty-five years of service as a Volunteer Firefighter for Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue Authority. Mr. Hanna was born in 1933 in New York City to Irish immigrant parents and earned his Bachelor's degree on an ROTC scholarship. He served as a United States Marine Fighter Pilot for seven years before becoming a commercial airline pilot for United Airlines for over thirty years. After he moved to the Diamond A area of the Sonoma Valley with his wife and five children, Mr. Hanna became a Volunteer Firefighter. He was instrumental in establishing a Fire Station in Diamond A--he agreed to become a Volunteer Firefighter at the age of forty if the Valley of the Moon Fire District built a fire station in Diamond A. As a Volunteer Firefighter, Mr. Hanna participated in weekly drills and put his training into practice as emergencies arose. After several years he was promoted to Captain. Mr. Hanna was heavily involved with training and training development for Valley of the Moon Fire District and all of Sonoma Valley. He was then promoted to the rank of Division Chief. When Valley of the Moon Fire District and the City of Sonoma Fire Department merged to form the Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue Authority, Mr. Hanna was crucial to the successful transition and stayed on as Division Chief. Additionally, Mr. Hanna trained for and volunteered as a CalFire Volunteer in Prevention and staffed local lookout towers. He is also active with the local Amateur Radio Operator Club, which is used when disasters arise. Mr. Hanna is knowledgeable about his work and willing to share his knowledge with trainees and other people in the Sonoma Valley. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Hanna is a committed Firefighter who is dedicated to serving our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Fire Division Chief Richard Hanna here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Councilwoman and Former Mayor Debbie Long on her retirement after serving on the Pinole City Council for the past ten years. Ms. Long has been a resident of Pinole for more than thirty years. Prior to her time on the City Council, Ms. Long demonstrated her commitment to public service. She was on the City of Pinole Design Review Board from 1994 to 1996, was a Pinole Planning Commissioner from 1996 to 2007 and served on the Pinole Assisted Living Board for many years. Ms. Long was first elected to the Pinole City Council in 2008. During her tenure she has served as mayor three times--from 2009 to 2010, from 2012 to 2013 and from 2016 to 2017. While on the Pinole City Council, Ms. Long helped accomplish numerous significant development projects for our community, including the Gateway Shopping Center, the Kaiser Medical Center, and the Pinole Valley Skate Park. She has also been heavily involved with the construction of the Pinole Wastewater Pollution Control Plant Upgrade project. Additionally, Ms. Long worked on the 2010 City of Pinole General Plan Update when she was on the Planning Commission and on the City Council. Ms. Long is known among her colleagues for being hard-working and well prepared. She makes sure she has done her homework and closely reviews all staff reports. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Long has been an admirable public servant throughout her time on the City Council. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Councilwoman and Former Mayor Debbie Long here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Community Resources for Children (CRC) for providing excellent early learning and care resources for families and children across Napa County, California for forty years. Founded in 1978, Community Resources for Children strives to advocate and educate the public on the importance of early education and child care. It has provided nearly 45,000 referrals for child care and over $44 million dollars to local child care providers that care for children of low income and student or working parents. For the past forty years, CRC has offered families quality early education materials for free and created early learning activities for families, child care providers, caregivers, educators and other community members. Community Resources for Children provides professional development and one on one coaching to more than 140 local child care providers that service more than 1,700 children per year. Its programs work to increase the quality and amount of available child care in Napa County and have strengthened the local economy while putting families on the pathway to success. Community Resources for Children also aims to empower parents by ensuring they have the necessary resources to make child care and early education decisions. Through all of its programs and assistance CRC hopes to help parents succeed as their child's first teacher. Mr. Speaker, Community Resources for Children is an admirable organization dedicated to the care and education of future generations in our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Community Resources for Children here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember Alaina Housley, a wonderful young woman from my district who was murdered in the mass shooting in Thousand Oaks. Alaina was a bright, dedicated, and inspiring student who was so excited to have voted for the first time this year. She was in her freshman year at Pepperdine and had so much of her life ahead of her. She was deeply loved by family and friends, and her death is a huge loss for our entire community. Over the last week, vigils and marches have been held in her honor in her hometown of Napa. She will never be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, I have committed to her parents that I will do everything I can to address violence in our communities. We will honor her senseless death with action. May she rest in peace.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Public Affairs Director Carl Campbell, on his retirement after twenty years of service for Kaiser-Permanente in the Marin-Sonoma Service area. Mr. Campbell was born in Melbourne, Florida. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Speech Arts and Radio and Television from San Diego State University. In 1998, Mr. Campbell joined Kaiser-Permanente Santa Rosa. He worked in multiple capacities in Public Affairs until 2004, when he became the Public Affairs Director for the Marin-Sonoma Service Area Administrative Team. Mr. Campbell has served as the Public Affairs Director for fourteen years. In this role, he has overseen the creation and implementation of numerous programs, including Public Affairs, Communications, Community Benefit, Community and Government Relations, Media Relations, Situation/Crisis Management, and Membership Growth and Retention. Mr. Campbell has been vital in promoting Kaiser Permanente and their reputation reflects his effort. With his intellect and expertise, Mr. Campbell has leveraged strategic partnerships to better serve Kaiser Permanente members and our communities. Kaiser Permanente Marin-Sonoma has greatly expanded under Mr. Campbell's leadership. Over 100 employees serve on more than 150 boards and committees as part of the effort to support our communities. Additionally, Marin's membership has grown thirty-one percent and Sonoma's membership has grown forty-six percent. Mr. Campbell has been active in other local organizations and has won awards for his dedication. He has served as Board Chair and on the Executive Committee, Governance Committee, Advocacy Council and BEST: Building Economic Success Together Board of the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Campbell was awarded the Leadership Excellence in the Field of Health Care Award by the SRMCC in 2009 and was the Spirit of Sonoma Award recipient in 2012. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Campbell is an admirable leader who is dedicated to serving our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Tamie Frasier's retirement after twenty-four years in public service, ten of which she served as the Napa County Treasurer-Tax Collector. Ms. Frasier is a fourth generation Napan, who is dedicated to our community. She has shown her commitment to Napa County throughout her twenty-four years working for the County, first as the Treasury Supervisor and then as the Assistant Treasurer-Tax Collector. In 2008, she became the Treasurer-Tax Collector. Throughout her tenure at the County, Ms. Frasier has worked to deliver the highest level of customer service for her fellow Napans. She has skillfully managed Napa County's funds, particularly during the Great Recession. Ms. Frasier is always the first person to roll up her sleeves and help however she can, whether the person in need is a colleague or a taxpayer. She leads by example and never fails to pass up an opportunity to set an example of what professionalism and compassion in County Administration can, and should, be. Ms. Frasier has inspired her coworkers to provide a high level of service to their fellow residents of Napa County. After working for Napa County for twenty-four years, Ms. Frasier has an impressive breadth and depth of knowledge. She has taken it upon herself to share her insight by sitting on various panels whenever the opportunity arises. Ms. Frasier is also active in local and state-wide organizations. She is a past President and current Board Member of Soroptimist International of Napa and the Bay Area Chair for the California Association of County Treasurers and Tax Collectors. She is a member of the California Associations of Country Treasurers and Tax Collectors and involved with the Government Investment Officers Association and California Municipal Treasurers Association. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Tamie Frasier has had a long and rewarding career in public service and Napa County is better for it. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Ken Arnold, on his retirement as the Chief of Police for Napa Valley College in Napa, California. Chief Arnold was born in Orlando, Florida and raised in the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas. In 1983 he graduated from Napa Valley College with two Associate of Science degrees in Law Enforcement and Private Security. Chief Arnold also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Saint Mary's College of California in 1991. From 1979 to 1997 he served in the Army Reserve and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant First Class. Chief Arnold has served Napa Valley College as Chief of Police since 1990. He also is the head of parking services and emergency management, among many other responsibilities that are essential to keeping the students and college safe. Chief Arnold is an adjunct professor at the Napa Valley College Criminal Justice Training Center. He teaches first aid for law enforcement, cultural awareness, emergency management and campus law enforcement, among other courses. In addition, Chief Arnold coordinates the Napa Valley College police academy and in-service training programs. Since 1989, he has also taught emergency preparedness and trained other instructors for the Napa County Community Emergency Response Team training program. During the October 2017 wildfires, Chief Arnold displayed incredible leadership and greatly assisted our community. He set up a temporary shelter at Napa Valley College for fire evacuees when the fire first broke out and included a kennel for displaced animals. At the college, Chief Arnold led the coordination of emergency operations, community donations, distribution of food and clothing, staff shift management and volunteers. Chief Arnold has held numerous leadership roles. He is the former president of the California College and University Police Chiefs Association and Napa and Solano County Training Managers Association and was Board Chairman of the Napa chapter of the American Red Cross. He has also served on the board of Saint John's Lutheran School. Mr. Speaker, Chief Arnold is an admirable leader who is dedicated to serving and protecting our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Chief Ken Arnold here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor King Ridge Foundation on the tenth anniversary of its founding. King Ridge Foundation has done incredible work for at-risk youth in our community and has been vital to the recovery from the October 2017 Wildfires. King Ridge Foundation was founded in 2009 by Levi Leipheimer and Carlos Perez to help at-risk youth. Since then, the Foundation has raised over 2 million dollars for this cause. A portion of this funding has come from Mr. Leipheimer's annual Gran Fondo, a bike ride known as the best day out on two wheels that brings people together from around the world, which also celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Through the Gran Fondo and the work of King Ridge Foundation, Mr. Leipheimer has made our community stronger and more connected. He is dedicated to Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, as he has shown through his commitment to improving the lives of those in our community. King Ridge Foundation's main focus is supporting at-risk youth by raising awareness and money. The Foundation partners with local organizations including Social Advocates for Youth, Forget Me Not Farm and The B-Rad Foundation. In times of disaster King Ridge Foundation expands its mission to assist people in returning to normalcy. During the devastating wildfires our community has faced, King Ridge Foundation did just that. After the 2015 Valley Fire, King Ridge Foundation raised more than $60,000 for relief efforts in Lake County. After the October 2017 Wildfires, King Ridge Foundation joined with Russian River Brewing Company in the Sonoma Pride partnership. The partnership has raised over 1.1 million dollars and provided direct assistance to over 660 families. King Ridge Foundation and Sonoma Pride partnered with many other local organizations to help as many people as possible. Along with the Council on Aging, they provided $400,000 towards the purchase and installation of five manufactured homes. King Ridge Foundation and Sonoma Pride also partnered with NorCal Bike Sport to replace over 500 children's bikes that were destroyed in the fire. Mr. Speaker, King Ridge Foundation, and Levi Leipheimer, have been crucial in the rebuilding of our community and for the well-being of our young people. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor the Foundation on its tenth anniversary.

Mr. MIKE THOMPSON of California

Mr. MIKE THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ronald Wesley Eick, Jr. on being selected as the Napa County Teacher of the Year and nominated as Napa County's nominee for California State Teacher of the Year. Mr. Eick was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois along with his two younger siblings. He earned his Associate of Applied Science in General Education from Moraine Valley Community College. Mr. Eick served in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California. After being honorably discharged, he stayed in Northern California. He received his Associate of Applied Science in Electronics from the Community College of the Air Force and a Bachelor of the Arts in Mathematics and Education from Western Governors University. Mr. Eick also holds a Master's Degree in Educational Technology from Touro University. Mr. Eick has been a mathematics teacher at American Canyon High School for the last nine years. Each day he strives to have every student in his classes understand the math he is teaching. He begins each day recognizing that students ``don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.'' Mr. Eick tries to show his students how much he cares about their understanding of math and their well-being, frequently acting as a mentor, advisor and role model. He strives to show his students how to have strong character and live generously. Mr. Eick is also the founder and advisor for Mu Alpha Theta, mentor and trainer for New Teacher Induction, advisor for Gay-Straight Alliance, assistant coach for the Robotics Club, leader in Math 2 Professional Learning Community and a site team member for Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). Mr. Speaker, Mr. Eick is an experienced and passionate educator who supports his students both inside and outside the classroom. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Napa Valley Community Foundation (NVCF) for its commitment to helping our community during times of disaster. Napa Valley Community Foundation was founded in 1994 and since then has distributed more than 50 million dollars to important causes in Napa Valley. For more than a decade it has spearheaded relief and recovery efforts following disasters and filled in the gaps to ensure residents received needed assistance. NVCF is a vital organization that has supported our community time and time again. After the New Year's Flood on the Napa River in 2006, the earthquake in August 2014 and the October 2017 Wildfires, Napa Valley Community Foundation provided aid and funded services for those affected and displaced. Following these disasters and recoveries, NVCF developed best practices for short-term, intermediate-term and long-term disaster relief. To address the many needs of our community and the inevitable gaps in the recovery process, NVCF partners with nonprofits and donors to ensure financial resources are available where they are most needed. Additionally, Napa Valley Community Foundation partners with associations, businesses, individuals and government agencies to provide aid to our community. Napa Valley Community Foundation manages the Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund, which was established after the 2014 earthquake with a 10 million dollar lead gift from Napa Valley Vintners. The Fund raised an additional 15 million dollars after the October 2017 Wildfires, which greatly assisted local recovery efforts. Because of the Fund, 15,000 fire survivors received immediate relief services such as temporary shelter, meals and medical care; and over 2,000 workers, households and small businesses received direct financial aid. Mr. Speaker, Napa Valley Community Foundation has been a lifeline to our community during times of disaster. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor it here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this bill. This bill represents a gross disregard for the responsibilities entrusted to us by our constituents. We are the stewards of Medicare, a critical support for nearly every American at some point in their lives. This bill will trigger hundreds of millions of dollars in across-the-board cuts to that important program. We are responsible for the Federal Tax Code, a charge that requires us to consider tax proposals fully and fairly. Yet, we will vote on this unpaid-for tax bill developed behind closed doors without the benefit of a single hearing. Most important, we are the custodians of the Federal budget. With passage of this bill, Republicans will have added more than $3 trillion to our national debt in less than a year. This is a handout for the rich at the expense of our children and our grandchildren. It is an excuse for the majority party to ransack Medicare and Social Security. It is dangerous, and it is reckless. We should vote ``no'' on this bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor former Congressman Leonard Boswell. I was good friends with Mr. Boswell, he was a fellow Blue Dog and we attended many events together over the years. I had the opportunity to visit his district and saw his passion for serving his constituents. Mr. Boswell was one of the most highly decorated combat veterans in Congress. He was in the United States Army for twenty years and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. While in Congress, he was highly regarded for his service to veterans and leaves behind a legacy of commitment to those who have served in uniform. I succeeded him on the Eisenhower Commission, where I was well informed of his great work and dedication. Mr. Boswell was committed to the principles of fiscal responsibility and good governance. He considered it his duty to ensure that future generations would not be burdened with enormous debt and underfunded social programs. Not only was Mr. Boswell an outstanding representative for his district, he was also one of the nicest and most unassuming Members with whom I have had the pleasure of serving.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Anthony Eric Ghisletta, upon his retirement from the Martinez Police Department after twenty-eight years of service. Captain Ghisletta was born in the Bay Area and grew up in Martinez, California. With a commitment to public safety, he graduated from the police academy and the FBI National Academy. In 1990, Captain Ghisletta began his law enforcement career as a Police Trainee in the Martinez Police Department. Over the last twenty-eight years, he has served our community as a Police Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Commander, Interim Chief of Police and Captain. Captain Ghisletta has been a K9 Handler and his knowledge has been vital to the expansion of the Police Department's canine program. Additionally, he spent many years as a Hostage Negotiator on the Hostage Negotiations Team and has spearheaded many functions of the Team. Captain Ghisletta's work has positively impacted the citizens in our community. His strong commitment, leadership and professionalism is deeply respected and supported by his peers and the City of Martinez. He has assisted countless residents throughout his tenure with the Police Department. Captain Ghisletta's file is full of letters and commendations from community members that he has helped over the years. Captain Ghisletta is married to Sara and they have three children-- Russell, Reid and Caroline. Captain Ghisletta has spent many hours coaching youth sports and mentoring youth in our community. His compassion and consistent engagement have made a positive impact on Martinez. Mr. Speaker, Captain Ghisletta is an admirable leader who has dedicated his career to serving our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Santa Rosa Junior College on the 100th anniversary of its founding. Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) is a vital pillar of our community and a leader of junior colleges in higher education. Santa Rosa Junior College was founded by community leaders. The original student body was comprised of nineteen individuals and they shared resources with the local high school. During the Great Depression, SRJC secured land to build its permanent campus. Santa Rosa Junior College has expanded over the years to include a campus in Petaluma, the Southwest Santa Rosa Center, the Public Safety Training Center, and Shone Farm. SRJC has educated 1.7 million students in its 100 year history and enrolls approximately 28,000 students of all ages each semester. Santa Rosa Junior College, in conjunction with the SRJC Foundation, is committed to making education accessible for all and working to ensure that all their students succeed. In addition to outstanding academics, the school has over 40 clubs, including conference-winning athletic teams, nationally ranked speech and debate teams, and outstanding theater, dance, and music programs. Santa Rosa Junior College is the third largest employer in Sonoma County. Approximately 3,000 faculty and staff work at SRJC and devote their careers to helping students and our community. Additionally, the local economic impact of the college is $1.6 billion annually, which has brought 26,000 jobs to the surrounding area. The SRJC Foundation raises funds for students and education programs at the college. The foundation is ranked number one among California community college foundations for endowment size and scholarship distribution, an honor it has worked hard to earn. Mr. Speaker, Santa Rosa Junior College provides excellent opportunities for the members of our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor it here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with the Honorable Mark DeSaulnier, Jerry McNerney, and Eric Swalwell to honor Nicole Kozicki upon her retirement as a Wildlife Officer with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in the San Francisco Bay Area. Warden Kozicki was born and raised in Oakland, California and graduated from Skyline High School in 1986. Post-graduation Warden Kozicki attended the California Fish and Game Academy. She was the youngest cadet to graduate and one of only thirteen women in the Class of 1989. Shortly after graduation, Warden Kozicki was recruited by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Warden Kozicki has been steadfast in her work to protect California's wildlife over the past 29 years. She led an investigation of the illegal development practices, which threatened two endangered species. Warden Kozicki lent her expertise by testifying during the trial and the developers were fined $1 million for destroying endangered species habitat, among other violations. Her tireless efforts have resulted in the preservation of hundreds of acres of land and millions of dollars in fines. Warden Kozicki also collaborated with the Fish and Wildlife Committee to secure over $1 million from the Annual Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Propagation Grant to for community projects that benefit fish and wildlife in our community. Warden Kozicki has been recognized for her incredible work on multiple occasions. In 2017, she received both the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Officer of the Year Award and the Pogue-Elms Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, the latter being the highest honor given by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Warden Kozicki was named the Officer of the Year by Safari Club International in 2016. Mr. Speaker, Nicole Kozicki has dedicated her career to preserving and protecting California's precious fish and wildlife. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Vallejo Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on its 100th anniversary. The Vallejo Branch of the NAACP received its Charter on July 8, 1918. It was the second Branch established in California, after the Sacramento Branch. Since its founding, the Vallejo Branch has worked tirelessly with community and religious leaders to fulfill the promise of equality to all Americans. Early in its existence, the Vallejo Branch collaborated with prominent African-American professionals, members of the clergy and business leaders on anti-lynching legislation, desegregation and political rights. The Vallejo Branch later expanded its focus to include advocacy for better jobs and pay for people of color on Mare Island and desegregation of the federal housing projects in Vallejo. Most recently, the Vallejo Branch of the NAACP has worked to address the high rate of sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STDs and STIs) among African Americans aged fourteen to twenty-five in Solano County, and Vallejo specifically. The Vallejo Branch has also been focused on educating, testing, and treating STDs and STIs and secured $250,000 to work towards this goal. The Branch's Legal Redress team has been active in the litigation of numerous discrimination issues involving housing, school, and employment injustices in Vallejo. Its Education Committee is actively involved in Vallejo's school system to guarantee that all students have equal access to quality education. In addition, the Vallejo Branch encourages its members to exercise their hard won right to vote. Mr. Speaker, the Vallejo Branch of the NAACP has been an important institution in our community for 100 years. The Vallejo Branch has worked continuously to improve the lives of African Americans in our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor it here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. James Norlyn Hoff and remember his rich and full life. Mr. Hoff was born in Portland, Oregon and spent his early years in Tillamook and Grand Pass, Oregon. His family moved to Eureka, California when he was twelve years old. Mr. Hoff graduated from Eureka High School and then interned for California Assemblyman Frank Belloti in Sacramento, California. He followed this experience with a second political internship in Washington, D.C., where he worked for Congressman Don Clausen. Mr. Hoff graduated from Humboldt State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He was the first Northern Californian to receive the Graduate Fellowship from the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International for the 1972-73 academic year. He was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Eureka and spent the year studying political science at the University of Grenoble in France. When he returned to Eureka, Mr. Hoff worked for Simpson Timber Company, where he ran their plywood plant. He eventually moved to Seattle, Washington to work in the company's corporate office. After he spent several years working at the company's corporate office in Seattle, Mr. Hoff left to work at his father's radio station, KRED-AM, in Eureka. He also built and ran a radio station, KPDJ-FM, and became known as the local media giant. In 1989, Mr. Hoff started Hoff Outdoor Advertising, which he eventually sold to his mentee. Mr. Hoff met his wife Claire in Megeve, France when he went back to visit her parents. Two years later they met again when she was visiting the United States. They were married in Eureka in 1979 and had two beautiful children, Alexia and Henry. His son Henry currently serves in the active duty Army assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division as a Staff Sergeant. Mr. Hoff enjoyed skeet shooting in his free time and won many father and son competitions. Mr. Speaker, James Norlyn Hoff is the husband, father, businessman and community member we should all strive to be. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Calistoga Speedway in Calistoga, California for being a longstanding place for our community to gather together and enjoy racing. Calistoga Speedway is an important institution in our community. It is the home of a half mile dirt track loop, one of only several left in the United States. In 1937, the racetrack transitioned from hosting horse racing to car racing and since then has made a great impact in Calistoga and our surrounding community. In the middle of the 20th century, Louie Vermeil and others founded the Northern Auto Racing Club (NARC), now called the Golden State Challenge Series. The Calistoga Speedway was NARC's home for 25 years. Currently, drivers from associations including the Bay Cities Roadster Racing Association, the American Racing Association and the Golden State Challenge Series make a point to race at the classic racetrack at the Calistoga Speedway. Additionally, the Calistoga Speedway has been an incredible venue for local racers, including Rico Abreu, to develop their passions for racing and begin their careers. Numerous generations of racers and race fans have spent time at the Calistoga Speedway. During the two-day races, Calistogans and out-of- town race enthusiasts fill the RV park at the Napa County Fairgrounds and pack the seats at the racetrack. The crowds that the Calistoga Speedway draw also strengthen our local economy. Visitors eat at our restaurants, shop at our stores and stay at our hotels. Other facets of our community, in addition to local businesses, benefit from the Calistoga Speedway. Profits from the Wildcat Boosters' snack bar at the racetrack fund sports and music programs in our community, which Calistoga children may not have access to otherwise. Mr. Speaker, the Calistoga Speedway is an important pillar of our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor it here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Guy Fieri, a selfless humanitarian and entrepreneur, for his inspiring contributions to disaster relief during the ongoing wildfires in Northern California. Mr. Fieri is a longtime resident of Sonoma and Lake Counties along with his wife, Lori, and their two sons, Hunter and Ryder. Mr. Fieri's first restaurant opened in 1996 in the heart of Santa Rosa, and he has since grown his businesses throughout California and around the world. He is a New York Times bestselling author, an admired television personality, and a renowned chef and winemaker. Mr. Fieri is also a noble humanitarian who began working around the clock to feed first responders when the Carr Fire first broke out in Shasta County. He then spent days at evacuation centers in Lower Lake, Middletown, and Kelseyville where he worked alongside Operation BBQ Relief and World Central Kitchen to provide meals for firefighters and thousands of evacuees impacted by the Ranch and River Fires. The ongoing wildfires have been devastating to our communities. Firefighters, first responders and public safety officials are working day and night to protect our communities from further damage. The contributions of Mr. Fieri have been instrumental in aiding these public servants and facilitating evacuations. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Fieri is an exceptional member of our community. His contributions to disaster relief have been outstanding, and I am beyond words of gratitude for his service and aid. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Guy Fieri here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chef Jose Andres for his selfless contributions to the disaster relief efforts for the Carr Fire and Mendocino Complex Fire in Northern California. Born and raised in the northern region of Asturias, Spain, Mr. Andres is an internationally recognized chef and culinary innovator. Following his graduation in 1989 from Escola de Restauracio i Hostalatge in Barcelona, Mr. Andres began his career as an admiral's chef in the Spanish Navy. In 1991, Mr. Andres moved to the U.S. where he transformed the standards of authentic Spanish food. Mr. Andres is known for his innovative cuisine and his award-winning restaurants. He has been honored with multiple awards, including the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award from International Association of Culinary Professionals and the 2015 National Humanities Medal. Mr. Andres is a committed advocate of food and hunger issues world- wide and a passionate humanitarian. In 2012, he formed World Central Kitchen, a non-profit that provides solutions to hunger and poverty through the power of food to empower communities and strengthen economies. Mr. Andres has been instrumental in providing for evacuees, firefighters and first responders of the devastating Northern California wildfires. Mr. Andres and World Central Kitchen have fed thousands of displaced people and first responders for the Carr, Ranch and River Fires. World Central Kitchen joined forces with Guy Fieri, Operation BBQ Relief, local chefs and residents to provide meals to those affected by the fire. World Central Kitchen, with the assistance of these groups, prepared and served over 2,000 meals per day. Mr. Speaker, Jose Andres has contributed tremendously to help our community that has been affected by the fires in Northern California. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor UpValley Family Centers of Napa County on its fifteenth anniversary for its dedicated service to our many communities of Napa County. UpValley Family Centers of Napa County (UVFC) was created nearly 20 years ago by dedicated Calistoga residents who aimed to create a local organization to help families access resources safely and conveniently. This goal has become their mission. UpValley Family Centers exists to provide guidance, support and resources for community members so they are able to improve their lives. UpValley Family Centers maintains strong partnerships with local organizations, schools, government agencies and private sector businesses to enable our up-valley communities to create opportunities for themselves. UpValley Family Centers is committed to providing services that are culturally and linguistically sensitive. Over 80 percent of its staff is bilingual and bicultural and has extensive experience working with diverse communities. UVFC is committed to its prevention-focused, strengths-based approach. Staff members travel to meet clients in convenient locations and provide services that are based on the community's identified needs and interests. UpValley Family Centers aims to encourage and teach clients how to use their personal strengths to build a stronger community. UpValley Family Centers has offices in Calistoga and St. Helena and is a centralized organization for people seeking information, tools, and services to improve their lives. It provides services to low-income working families and individuals of all ages through a multitude of programs, including early education, immigration assistance, youth mentorship, ESL classes, financial literacy programs, referrals to local health and wellness resources, among others. UVFC is also an emergency assistance and disaster response services provider. UpValley Family Centers is a second responder that was critical after the Valley Fire of 2015 and the Napa Complex Fires of October 2017. In the aftermath of those fires, UVFC worked to ensure that all up-valley households who were impacted by the fires were connected with the services they needed. Mr. Speaker, UpValley Family Centers aims to ensure people in our community are supported, valued and able to create the future they want for themselves, their families and our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we recognize it for fifteen years of service.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize BMC Racing for their success in the 2018 Tour de France. BMC Racing is headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, in my district. Headed by former American cyclist Jim Ochowicz, who serves as President and team manager, the team sent six cyclists to the Tour this year, including Tejay van Garderen of Tacoma, Washington. At the 2018 Tour de France, BMC proved its abilities once again at the highest levels of competition in the cycling world. The team finished eighth overall in the 2018 Tour de France, emerged victorious in the Stage 3 Team Time Trial, and earned seven yellow jerseys--along with five stage victories. Individual team members also did well: Greg Van Avermaat stood in first places for eight consecutive stages, while Damiano Caruso finished in 20th place overall. The BMC organization regularly trains in Santa Rosa and the wine country area. They are also active in the community. Their ``Cycle with Champions'' ride is done in conjunction with Team Swift, a local youth cycling organization, and many organization officials have ties to the Santa Rosa region. BMC has a history of producing champion cyclists, and once again displayed their resilience and dedication in 2018. At the finish line, Damiano Caruso summed up the overall morale of the team, saying, ``At the end of three weeks, I can say that my experience was positive.'' Mr. Speaker, BMC Racing has deep roots in the Santa Rosa community, and continues to inspire generations of young cyclists. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor the cyclists and owners on their accomplishment in this year's Tour de France.